Prince Harry Turns Down King Charles' Invitation to Stay at Royal Residence During London Visit

Prince Harry Reportedly Declined King Charles' Offer to Stay in Royal Residence During London Trip

King Charles III and Prince Harry. John Phillips/Getty Images

King Charles III offered his son Prince Harry a place to stay during his recent trip to London. According to the Sunday Times' royal editor Roya Nikkhah, Charles, who is 75 years old, agreed to let Harry, who is 39, stay in a royal residence during his visit earlier this week. Harry no longer has an official residence in the U.K. since he and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California. They had previously lived at Frogmore Cottage.

Nikkhah also mentioned on Sunday, May 12, that the Duke of Sussex decided to stay at a hotel instead of accepting the offer.

Harry flew to attend a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral, marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games that he helped establish. Despite being in the same city, Harry did not have a chance to meet with his father during his visit.

Harry's spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, May 7 that The Duke will not be able to meet with his father during his visit to the UK this week. This is due to His Majesty's busy schedule.

Since Harry's decision to step down, there has been tension between Charles and his youngest son, whom he had with the late Princess Diana. However, they have recently started communicating again after Charles was diagnosed with a form of cancer earlier this year.

Harry expressed his love for his family during an interview with Good Morning America in February. He shared his gratitude for being able to visit his family and spend time with them.

Prince Harry Reportedly Declined King Charles' Offer to Stay in Royal Residence During London Trip

Prince Harry went to The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024. Neil Mockford/GC Images

Earlier that month, Harry had paid a visit to Charles after the king’s diagnosis was made public. During that period, Charles took a break from his public duties to receive treatment. His Majesty returned to his official responsibilities on April 30.

Princess Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William, is currently facing an undisclosed type of cancer. She is undergoing preventive chemotherapy and will only return to her royal duties once she receives medical clearance from her doctor. Prince William briefly paused his responsibilities to be by her side but has since resumed his work.

In recent months, Charles isn't the only senior royal who has taken a step back from official duties. Prince Harry and Meghan, who are still estranged from William and Kate, did reach out privately when they learned of the princess' illness.

The Duke and Duchess [of Sussex] are being very respectful and considerate. They don't want to cause any extra stress. If Will and Kate need their space, Meghan and Harry will gladly give it to them.

After leaving London, Harry has joined Meghan for their first official tour in Nigeria.

Editor's P/S:

The article sheds light on the strained relationship between King Charles III and his son, Prince Harry, following Harry's decision to step down from royal duties in 2020. Despite the tension, the article suggests that the father and son are slowly mending their relationship, as evidenced by Charles' offer of accommodation during Harry's recent trip to London. However, Harry's decision to stay in a hotel instead of accepting the offer highlights the complex dynamics between them.

The article also reveals that Princess Kate Middleton is battling an undisclosed type of cancer and is undergoing preventive chemotherapy. It highlights the support she is receiving from her husband, Prince William, and the private outreach from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have maintained a distance from William and Kate since stepping down from royal duties. The article underscores the ongoing health challenges within the royal family and the shifting dynamics among its members.